Among those held by Mushtaha were Tsachi Idan, who was killed in captivity, and Cpl. Noa Marciano, who was abducted from the Nahal Oz base and murdered in Gaza.
By United with Israel Staff
The IDF confirmed Friday that it eliminated a Hamas commander who participated in the October 7 massacre and was involved in holding numerous Israeli hostages captive in Gaza.
The military identified the terrorist as Muhammad Bassam Muhammad Mushtaha, a company commander in Hamas’s Shati Battalion. He was targeted in an Israeli strike in northern Gaza on July 30, with the IDF now confirming his death.
According to the military, Mushtaha infiltrated Israel during the October 7 massacre and later played a role in holding numerous hostages during the war.
Among those held by Mushtaha were Tsachi Idan, who was killed in captivity, and Cpl. Noa Marciano, who was abducted from the Nahal Oz base and murdered in Gaza.
The IDF said he was also involved in holding Ziv Berman, Omri Miran, Ori Megidish, Naama Levy and Matan Angrest captive.
In recent months, Mushtaha had also been working to advance attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians, according to the military. The IDF said he was eliminated to remove the threat he posed.
The announcement comes a day after the IDF and Shin Bet eliminated another Hamas commander who took part in the October 7 invasion.
Jamal Mahmoud Abu Kamil was killed in an airstrike in Gaza City on Thursday following intelligence provided by the Shin Bet. The military said Abu Kamil had infiltrated Israel during the massacre and continued planning attacks against Israeli forces and civilians throughout the war and in recent months.
The two operations are part of Israel’s continuing effort to locate and eliminate Hamas terrorists who participated in the October 7 atrocities and remain involved in planning attacks.
The IDF said Southern Command forces remain deployed throughout Gaza in accordance with the current agreement and will continue acting against immediate threats to Israeli troops and civilians.
Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!
Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!
Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.
Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!